Your résumé might land you the interview — but your habits, your manners and your follow-through? That’s what gets you the job. We hit the street and asked hiring pros to drop their realest advice. What they said might just surprise you (and save you from a painfully awkward interview). What are the must-have skills no one teaches — but every employer expects before day one?
Amy Smith, owner of Dazzle Cleaning Service
I think young job seekers today are missing basic skills — like how to dress (and smell) for interviews, how to write a cover letter, follow-up thank-you notes, reading directions and following through on commitments. Our company holds interviews every day for entry-level jobs, and the things we see stop us in our tracks time and time again. We’ve often said: These things must not be taught anymore.
Photo by Michelle Lippert Photography
Kristin Nelson-Garcia, senior project coordinator at Michigan Public Health Institute; senior program manager at the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors; travel specialist at Travelmation
Start finding the thought leaders in the industry you’re aiming for, and work on building authentic relationships with those folks. You can learn so much from the pros who are already applying the skills you’re going to want to develop in your career.
Summer Franck, executive coordinator, Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators
Before entering the workplace, young job seekers should complete training that prepares them not just to do a job, but to thrive in a professional environment. In my opinion, essential areas include professional communication, how to communicate with supervisors, clear and concise messaging, and active listening.
Dr. Darla Bishop, author of “How to Afford Everything”
Financial literacy strengthens every other soft skill. When young job seekers understand their money, they negotiate without fear, communicate with confidence and stay focused on the work — instead of financial stress.
